New Exclusive Interview with Blake Weibert

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

Twitter and my wife showed it to me and it seemed interesting and I am a shameless self-promoter.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I was born in South Florida and then moved at elementary age to rural Middle Tennessee.  I then chose to go to University of Memphis and major in Music.  I graduated University of Memphis and did not leave for many years.  In Memphis the blues got a hold of me.  So I abandoned the drum set and classical guitar to follow my passion as a blues singer and guitar player.  My  time in Memphis inspired me to become an artist.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

My mom and dad named me.  That’s my name.  Haha Pronounced “Whybert”.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Online music sharing can be good but when it inhibits sales that is when I frown upon it.  I do give music away for free in certain situations or promotions.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Treat everyone that you work with in any capacity with a great deal of respect and ignore negativity. Get all your contact information and stay organized.  Networking every chance you get.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

No, never.  I would just quit music if I ever made a mistake, NOT!  Everybody makes mistakes, just try to make small ones if you have them at all.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Actually I travel within a vicinity of where I live right now and am planning a Mid-Western tour this Summer. Anything that is worth mentioning is inappropriate.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

I gather song writing inspiration through experience, self-reflection, and a few Americana and Blues favorites of mine.  Also, I derive inspiration from world music and old school R&B.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

I am on almost all of them, as follows:

http://www.reverbnation.com/BlakeWeibert

https://www.facebook.com/BlakeWeibertMusic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmKnhdjOlAc&feature=youtu.be

https://twitter.com/blakeweibert

https://instagram.com/blakeweibertmusic

https://myspace.com/resonatorblues

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Hall & Oates greatest hits. Too Short (rapper)

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

I would severely upgrade all of my equipment and then purchase touring vehicles.  Setting a budget for tour after I have spent quite a bit of money networking, traveling to and generally really getting the tour kicked into high gear.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Since “From The Hood to the Woods” was so recently released I am still working with it but I plan on having some very primitive delta blues music inspired by the early guys such as, Skip James, Bukka White, Son House and of course Robert Johnson.  As for upgrades I always have ideas however I am very happy with my current CD.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

My wife helps me a hell of a lot.  Right now I work more than my wife does so when she’s home she looks for new ways to promote my music.  Freeing me up to work and make music.  Getting out there, meeting people, and being very adamant and confident of yourself and your music.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

I would play with Howlin’ Wolf or John Prine anywhere.  Where we play is kinda unimportant when you have an opportunity to play with such greatness.  The smaller venue the better in that case, as I want get pick their brains/get to know them!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Still promoting this album, but I’m always working on new stuff.  You can find “From The Hood to The Woods” by Blake Weibert atcdbaby.com, amazon.com, iTunes, and Google Play!

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Non-profit administration.  I used to be the Trainer and Incident Manager for the United Cerebral Palsy of The MidSouth before I moved here.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

The first album other than 45’s that I bought was probably AC/DC Highway to Hell.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

I work hard in the peak months and I relax when business is seasonally slow.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

Expanded touring/range and possibly addition musicians/collaboration,